The boss:
Scott Stonham. “I’m a bit of a technology fan, turned marketer. I started my career with a cybernetics and control engineering degree from Reading University and after a few software development roles found myself in Vodafone doing cool things with new technology – ask me about spider maps on the Nokia 7110.

“From that point on I started working in technology marketing roles across the world, going on to support companies of all sizes building their markets in the UK, Europe and beyond.”

What is your business about?
“We help local businesses solve problems and capitalise on new opportunities.

“We have a lot of experience with big and small companies all over the world.”

What product/services do you offer?
“We provide a range of services from business coaching to technology advice and marketing. Our services help businesses at all stages of development.”

How and when did you start your business?
“One Monday in 2008, at 3am just past Junction 11 of the M4 on my commute to Marseille. It was dark, raining hard and I realised what I really wanted to do and it wasn’t collecting air miles.

“At that point I was already forming the practices we now use within OVASTO, but it wasn’t until I met my partner that we formed the company at the beginning of 2011.”

How many staff do you employ?
“We have two employees and a network of trusted associates that we work with on larger or more specialist projects.”

Who are your customers?
“In general we work with businesses that have reached a decision point and realise that now is the time to act. Our mid-term marketing consultancy is for high growth companies that need to do more from a marketing perspective, but aren’t yet at the point to be able to hire someone full time.

“We have a strong background in software, web applications and telecoms, so companies come to us for advice and direction on how to adopt new technologies like Cloud or how to use mobile applications to improve their business.

“Our part-time business and marketing advice is excellent for web-based businesses or app developers who need help getting their message out and finding new customers. We provide business coaching to sole-proprietors and micro businesses to help them turn ideas into businesses or to turn an initial success into something more sustainable.

What sets you apart from the competition?
“Together we have a very broad range of skills that any business needs to succeed, from business strategy and operations, to strategic and product marketing, public relations and social media.”